How Much Does a Skid-Steer Weigh?
Published: February 5, 2025
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Everything You Need to Know About the Weight of a Bobcat Skid-Steer Loader
Thinking about buying or renting a Bobcat® skid-steer loader? You’ll need to know how much it weighs. Weight matters for everything from how it gets to your job site to how it handles when you operate it. Here’s all the information you might need about the weight of a Bobcat skid-steer or compact track loader.
How Much Does a Skid-Steer Weigh? Let’s Break It Down
Our smallest skid-steer (SSL) weighs 2,892 lbs, and our largest weighs 9,728 lbs. Our smallest compact track loader (CTL) weighs 6,424 lbs, and our largest weighs 12,393 lbs. Here’s a breakdown of Bobcat loaders by size category:
Model | Type of Loader | Operating Weight (lbs)* |
S70 | SSL | 2,892 |
S66 | SSL | 7,154 |
S86 | SSL | 9,728 |
MT100 | MTL | 3,390 |
T66 | CTL | 8,927 |
T86 | CTL | 12,393 |
*Operating weight can vary with different model configurations. Reach out to your Bobcat of Houston sales rep to get the most accurate estimate of your skid-steer loader model’s operating weight.
What Impacts the Weight of a Skid-Steer?
There are two main things that affect skid-steer weight:
1. Skid-Steer Size
Larger skid-steers with higher rated operating capacities (ROCs) tend to weigh more. For example, a Bobcat S770 has a higher operating capacity of 3,350 lbs, but that means that it weighs 9,314 lbs.
2. Attachments
Every attachment you use adds to the overall weight of the machine. A 36” dirt bucket weighs 168 lbs, a hydraulic breaker weighs 659 lbs, and a 44” Brushcat rotary cutter weighs 932 lbs. When you’re considering weight, take a second to inventory all the attachments you might need.
Skid-Steer Weight and Transport
Transporting a skid-steer takes careful planning, especially for larger models. If you purchase or rent the machine through Bobcat of Huntsville, our team can help schedule a delivery, and they can walk you through your transportation requirements. When it comes to weight, though, there are some things to keep in mind:
- Towing Requirements: Before hauling a loader, make sure your towing rig can handle the weight of the machine and attachments. Your GVWR for the towing rig will need to handle the combined weight of the trailer, loader, and attachments.
- Trailer Size: Make sure your trailer is long and wide enough to accommodate both the skid-steer and the attachments. For most skid-steer loaders, you’ll want a heavier-duty trailer.
- Tie-Down Points: Bobcat skid-steers have tie-down points for secure transport. We’d recommend checking out these instructions on proper load securing. When it comes to chains and binders, make sure you have the number and the correct size for the weight of your loader.
- Legal Weight Limits: Check local and state regulations for trailer and towing weight limits to avoid fines or unsafe conditions. If you’re in Alabama, this Freight Management and Operations policy from the U.S. Department of Transportation is a good place to start.
Choosing the Right Skid-Steer for Your Needs
It doesn’t matter if you’re looking at a weekend landscaping project or a long-term commercial construction project. Understanding the weight of the skid-steer before you buy or rent it will help you successfully move and operate the machine. If you’re interested in Bobcat skid-steer loaders (or if you already have one and have questions about it), reach out to Bobcat of Huntsville today. We’re here to help!